Red Squirrel

Sciurus vulgaris

Appearance

Image of Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) | Rentokil Pest Control Ireland
  • Adult head-body length: 20 – 22 cm; tail 18 cm. Weight 280 – 350 g.
  • Upper body chestnut in colour, with buff to cream underside, ear tufts and a fluffy tail.

Lifecycle

  • Two litters of three to four kittens are produced per year, usually in March and July.
  • Juveniles are weaned at around 10 weeks old, but do not breed until they are one year old.
  • They can survive for up to six years in the wild.

Habits

  • They prefer woodland that contains a fair proportion of conifer trees.
  • They are active during the day with most of this time spent foraging.